Our nation could use plenty of prayers at this time. As a Dunkirk church made plans this week for a service for 5 p.m. today to remember those who died in a racially motivated mass shooting in Buffalo on May 14, another deadly attack occurred at a school in Texas on Tuesday that left 21 dead, many of them children.

We all mourn these losses.

As for the Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, their efforts are focused on Buffalo. The Rev. Early Waller, who is highly respected in our community, said all are welcome at 18 E. Second St.

“We want to put emphasis on the importance of being aware of the community we live in and our environment,” he said, noting a local connection to one of the victims in Ruth Whitfield who has relatives living in the county.

Waller also said those who come are welcome to bring “flowers or any other item they might want to send, be it a financial donation.” Items should be dropped off at the church.

Those who cannot attend the service should keep all victims and families in their thoughts. Perhaps we all, at 5 p.m. today, can say a prayer for those affected — and our country.